Precise tumor treatment: pH-responsive nanoparticles for modulating and real-time monitoring tumor microenvironment

The tumor microenvironment (TME) presents a unique and complex milieu, characterized by spatial and temporal heterogeneity that significantly hinders cancer treatment strategies. Nanoparticles emerge as a versatile solution, potentially overcoming these challenges by enabling targeted therapy and real-time, concurrent assessment of therapeutic effectiveness under abnormal physiological and biochemical conditions. A recent study by Lu et al. introduces a significant innovation in the form of pH-responsive companion diagnostics (CDx) reagent, comprising core-satellite semiconducting polymer nanoparticles @ cobalt hydroxide oxide (SPNs@CoOOH). This novel structure demonstrates a specific affinity for TME targeting, while effectively combining chemiluminescence with reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated therapy. This synergy facilitates efficient tumor treatment alongside real-time monitoring, using only water as a resource in the body. As research in nanoparticle-based strategies progresses, the incorporation of pH-responsive systems heralds new possibilities for personalized and more effective cancer therapies.